Cook islands

Cook islands Background

Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

Cook islands Information

• Population: 21,200 (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander
• Location:: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
• Religions:: Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church)
• Ethnic Groups:: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%
• Land Boundaries:: 0 km
• Area: total: 240 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 240 sq km
• Coast Line: 120 km
• Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds
• Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south
• Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
• Land Use: arable land: 17.39% permanent crops: 13.04% other: 69.57% (2001)
• Environmental Issues: NA
• Natural Resources: NEGL
• Highways: total: 320 km paved: 33 km unpaved: 287 km (2000)
• Railways:
• Ports & Harbours: Avarua, Avatiu
• Airports: 9 (2003 est.)